SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
sordid
adjective
Dirty, degraded, or morally disreputable.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Dirty and neglected
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topSordid physical conditions combine dirt with degradation. Shabby can simply mean worn without being filthy or morally disreputable.
Morally degraded
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topThis sense condemns conduct or motives. Mercenary specifically criticizes excessive concern with money rather than every form of wrongdoing.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See sordid in use
The detective uncovers a sordid scheme behind the elegant facade.
The investigation also uncovered a sordid arrangement in which a fictional official had diverted restoration gifts for private benefit while publicly praising the donors.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license